The article features an interview with Thomas Bertsch, Head of Process Industries in North America at Festo, discussing the automation of hydrogen production processes. Festo acknowledges the critical role of hydrogen in sustainable energy for various industries. Bertsch stresses the significance of automation in enhancing efficiency and safety across hydrogen production, storage, and transportation. Festo's investment in hydrogen automation solutions aims to expedite project timelines, reduce costs, and ensure operational safety. The company's modular approach allows for easy scalability from pilot phases to full production. Festo's focus on skid automation involves innovative solutions like the VTUG-EX valve manifold for HazLoc environments, reducing footprint and improving installation efficiency. Moreover, Festo collaborates with energy suppliers like GP Joule to develop intelligent control systems for hydrogen transportation trailers, emphasizing safety and integration into existing safety protocols. The interview highlights Festo's commitment to safety in hydrogen production, showcasing solutions like cost-effective safety circuits and certified valves for SIL3 level applications. Festo's approach to DCS production in hydrogen facilities aims at simplification and cost reduction by using valve manifolds and eliminating valve positioners, offering significant cost savings and maintenance benefits. Overall, Festo's innovative automation solutions signal a positive outlook for the future of hydrogen production and integration into various industries.